A new study published by Metabolic Brain Disease found that cannabidiol (CBD) improved spatial learning and memory while reducing Alzheimer’s-related tau changes in a rat model of the disease.
Researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia, MAHSA University and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman examined whether CBD could affect the PP2A-tau pathway, which is tied to neurofibrillary tangle formation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
The study used male Wistar rats given D-galactose and aluminum chloride for 10 weeks to induce Alzheimer’s-like pathology. The rats were then treated for three weeks with CBD at 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg, or with donepezil, a commonly used Alzheimer’s medication.
Researchers assessed cognition through the Morris water maze, while PP2A expression and phosphorylated tau levels were measured using laboratory testing.
The study found that CBD significantly improved spatial learning and memory. PP2A expression increased across all CBD doses, with the highest average level seen at 80 mg/kg.
Hippocampal phosphorylated tau levels were significantly higher in the Alzheimer’s model group, but were reduced by all CBD doses and donepezil. Researchers reported that the reductions were highly significant compared to the model group.
The findings suggest that CBD may help counter Alzheimer’s-related tau changes while improving cognitive performance, potentially through restoration of PP2A expression and reduction of tau hyperphosphorylation.
Researchers concluded that the PP2A-tau axis may be a relevant therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s-related tauopathy, though the findings remain preclinical and require further research before they can be applied to humans.
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